What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

[mr_badexample]

Over the years my father has given me many Barlows. It was the first knife I remeber getting other than a Vic classic. As a young lad I went through several of them before learning how to make them last. You see my father isn't a knife guy. He uses up tools and replaces them once they're worn out or broken. It wasn't until later when I became a Boy Scout that I learned to properly care for and sharpen my knives.
Recently I was digging through the tank bag on my motorcycle and discovered this one. It's probably not very old but I don't recall when he gave it to me. Likely a new old stock item. Anyway I'm keeping it with the bike and intend to use it when needed. Maybe pass it along to my so when he's old enough.

 

[Chief]

Never noticed the difference in the etching before taking pics today (II on far right blade).

 

[willydigger]

Over the years my father has given me many Barlows. It was the first knife I remeber getting other than a Vic classic. As a young lad I went through several of them before learning how to make them last. You see my father isn't a knife guy. He uses up tools and replaces them once they're worn out or broken. It wasn't until later when I became a Boy Scout that I learned to properly care for and sharpen my knives.
Recently I was digging through the tank bag on my motorcycle and discovered this one. It's probably not very old but I don't recall when he gave it to me. Likely a new old stock item. Anyway I'm keeping it with the bike and intend to use it when needed. Maybe pass it along to my so when he's old enough.

Great post. Thanks for the background story.

 

[waynorth]

I received a package from Charlie today, inside which was a signed copy of Mike Robuck's excellent new book, and a cool Canadian $2 coin. I thought this might be an appropriate place to say thanks - with appropriate Barlow content of course





This is my very first Charlow, a gift from the good Mr C himself. Thanks a lot for the book Charlie, and for the coin my friend :thumbup:

Jack

That book has purty pitchers!!
I hopes you likes it!!

 

[Jack Black]

That book has purty pitchers!!
I hopes you likes it!!

I'd recognise that scanner background anywhere! Yes, some really fantastic pics and some very interesting reading, thanks again my friend :thumbup:

 

[Will Power]

This Old Queen is still game

 

[leghog]

What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

The price. Traditionally Barlows were inexpensive everyman's knives.

 

[mr_badexample]

Great post. Thanks for the background story.

Thank you sir.

 

[paulhilborn]

Never noticed the difference in the etching before taking pics today (II on far right blade).

Thanks John for pointing that out---but now the question I have is why the II on this release, that isn't actually from the second version released is it? I'm not sure if that jigged version was released in the third or fourth series?

Ok someone smarter school me here

What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

When someone restores a Great Old Barlow and gives it a shot of a long life yet to be lived Thanks again Mark:thumbup:

"Ole Red"

 

[Markesharp]

You are most welcome Paul. :thumbup: I like the name too...."Ole Red"

 

[Primble]

Great job on this Mark and it looks wonderful Paul - a LOT of life left in that ole knife. :thumbup:

 

[Jack Black]

Great job on this Mark and it looks wonderful Paul - a LOT of life left in that ole knife. :thumbup:

:thumbup:

 

[Markesharp]

Great job on this Mark and it looks wonderful Paul - a LOT of life left in that ole knife. :thumbup:

:thumbup:

Thank you Primble.

Thank you Jack

 

[waynorth]

Real nice KK Paul and Mark!! It's got all the right Barlow stuff!!


For Inquiring Minds :
the II after Tom's choice, is the second version of Tom's favorite blade.
Long vs. common nail nick.
Simple when you use "Charlie Logic"!!

the scratches on my scanner glass are getting worse! sharp subjects I guess.

 

[willydigger]

Couple Barlows.

 

[Tenacious D]

That's a cool little Charlow bead you carved up there Fred!

Couple Barlows.

 

[mr_badexample]

Well I'll be darned. Guess I have a II too!

 

[paulhilborn]

Real nice KK Paul and Mark!! It's got all the right Barlow stuff!!


For Inquiring Minds :
the II after Tom's choice, is the second version of Tom's favorite blade.
Long vs. common nail nick.
Simple when you use "Charlie Logic"!!

Thanks Charlie for both the compliment on the Keen Kutter and the clarification on the "II" Charlie logic huh?...that sounds very interesting

@ Willgoy, Will, that's a nice old Queen with warm bone covers:thumbup:

@ Primble and Jack, thank you guys, I feel very fortunate to own this great Barlow. Still blown away by Marks generosity

@ Brian, I enjoyed the great story about your Dad and the Barlow:thumbup: My Dad, now 82 was never really a knife guy either...a tool guy yes...a Craftsman tool guy to a fault For not being a knife guy my Dad did however give/gift me several nice knives. When I look back at it now I wonder how he knew to give me quality knives...I chalk it up to him knowing good tools when he saw them

@ Fred, I really like you sawcut red bone and how it's aging

 

[willydigger]

@ Fred, I really like you sawcut red bone and how it's aging

You know what's interesting? A few months ago I accidentally swiped it with a Sharpie. Day by day, week by week, it got lighter and lighter. Now I can't see it anymore. Let me find an old pic.

 

[Will Power]

Thanks Paul, it does have some nice sawn bone and I like the Sheepfoot/Pen set-up.

Regards, Will